If you’re looking to see hundreds of different interactive exhibits that illustrate different scientific principles then the Exploratorium in San Francisco is the place to go. Physicist, Frank Oppenheimer founded the Exploratorium in 1969. It first opened at the Palace of Fine Arts, but was moved to Piers 15 and 17 in April of 2013. Both kids and adults alike will enjoy this place as there’s so much to do. There are 150 new exhibits for a total of 600, indoors and out, including many beloved classics; a Bay Observatory; a bigger focus on tinkering and social science; and more.
Hours Of Operation
The Exploratorium is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. On the first Thursday of every month they are open from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. for those 18 and over. They are closed on Mondays, but will occasionally open for special events.
Ticket Prices
Tickets for adults ages 18-64 are $25. Tickets for children ages 4-17, individuals ages 65 and older, senior citizens, teachers that reside out of the state of California and those with disabilities are $19. Children 3 and under are free. Tickets for adults on Thursday nights are $15. California teachers that show proper identification can get in for free.
Location
The Exploratorium is located at Embarcadero and Green Street. Parking is available close by at both the Embarcadero Center and Levi’s Parking Garage for around $10.
Exhibits
There are six main galleries. Each one is themed around a different exploration area. These include:
- The West Gallery which focuses on human phenomenon and features exhibits and activities that have to do with feelings and thought.
- The South Gallery features tinkering type activities where individuals will get to work with their hands.
- The Central Gallery focuses on seeing and listening activities and experiments.
- The East Gallery features activities that allow individuals to investigate the intricate properties of habits and life beings.
- The Bay Observatory Gallery allows individuals to observe the landscape and areas around San Francisco.
- The Outdoor Gallery focuses on letting individuals explore the sights, sounds and smells of the bay around them.
Onsite Food Options
If you get a little bit hungry while exploring the Exploratorium, there are two main dining options called the Seismic Joint Café and the SeaGlass Restaurant. Both offer phenomenal food that is prepared by a food service group that is award winning. Outside of the Exploratorium there are also some food carts that are serviced by local vendors.
Make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes when visiting the Exploratorium, It’s over 3 acres in size so you will be doing a lot of walking. Once you leave the Exploratorium there’s still a lot to do around San Francisco. The North beach is only about a mile away as well as Washington Square Park. The Ferry Building has a lot of dining and shopping choices as well. Chinatown is also close by and it’s an excellent place to visit if you want to see unique bazaars or pick up some interesting souvenirs.
If it’s your first time visiting California, there are some wonderful Globus California escorted tours such as Northern California’s Finest which visits San Fransisco, Lake Tahoe, Carmel and Monterey including a stop in California’s wine country. Another popular trip is California’s Classics starting in San Fransisco and ending in Los Angeles with stops in Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park.
